Man dies after being shot in head at prom party in West Philadelphia

Philadelphia police say a 23-year-old man shot and critically wounded during a prom party in West Philadelphia Thursday night has died.

Aaron Searight was hit in the head by what police believe was a stray bullet.

The young man who was shot last night in @PPD18Dist on 600 block of 55th St died at 2:15AM this morning at Presby Hospital. There is a $20,000 reward for any info that leads to arrest & conviction of person responsible for this senseless murder. Tips 215-686-TIPS (8477).

The shooting happened during what should have been a joyous time: a woman holding a prom party for her 17-year-old nephew who is graduating from Boys Latin High School and on his way to Hampton University.

But the mood quickly turned on the 600 block of 55th Street after shots rang out around 8:15 p.m. Thursday.

"There were approximately 70 people out here of all ages, from infants up to adults," said Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker. "It looks like after the kid left for his prom, a young male appears on the corner and fires into the crowd."

Police said the gunman fired as many as six shots into the crowd. They said it was a miracle no one else was struck.